Every November, New York City transforms into a 26.2-mile celebration of endurance, emotion, and humanity. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, over 55,000 runners will line up for the 54th edition of the TCS New York City Marathon, closing out the Abbott World Marathon Majors calendar in spectacular fashion.
First run in 1970 as a humble Central Park loop with just 127 starters, the NYC Marathon now sprawls across all five boroughs, attracts more than a million spectators, and is broadcast live in over 160 countries.
But for all its grandeur, the race retains a deeply personal, communal spirit. Whether you’re a first-time marathoner, a world champion, or a fan on the sidelines, this day is about more than running, it’s about becoming part of New York itself.
The Spirit of Marathon Sunday
What makes New York unique isn’t just the scale or the setting. It’s the people. The millions of fans who line the streets with cowbells, signs, horns, and heartfelt cheers, they aren’t just spectators, they’re part of the course.
Marathon Sunday cuts across the city’s usual chaos. It overrides the traffic, politics, and potholes. It makes strangers cry for strangers. It unites boroughs, generations, and backgrounds in a way few events ever do.
In a city that moves fast, this is the day it moves together.
Key Race Day Information
- Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025
- Start Location: Staten Island, Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- Finish Location: Central Park, near Tavern on the Green
- Field Size: Over 55,000 runners
- Course Certification: USATF certified, Boston qualifier
- Time Limit: Final official finisher cut-off is 10:00 p.m.
Start Time Schedule (All Times ET)
- 8:00 a.m. – Professional Wheelchair (Men)
- 8:02 a.m. – Professional Wheelchair (Women)
- 8:22 a.m. – Handcycle and AWD
- 8:35 a.m. – Elite Women
- 9:05 a.m. – Elite Men
- 9:10 a.m. – Wave 1
- 9:45 a.m. – Wave 2
- 10:20 a.m. – Wave 3
- 10:55 a.m. – Wave 4
- 11:30 a.m. – Wave 5
Your start time depends on your wave, corral, and color (blue, orange, or pink), all printed on your bib.
Getting to the Start Line
Runners must arrive at the Start Village on Staten Island well ahead of their scheduled start time. This means most will be traveling between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m., depending on their wave.
Transportation Options
- Staten Island Ferry from Lower Manhattan
- Official Buses from Midtown Manhattan or New Jersey
- Drop-offs (Staten Island only, very limited)
All transportation must be booked in advance through NYRR. Only the clear Start Village Bag is permitted.
Inside the Start Village
Each color-coded village (Blue, Orange, Pink) has toilets, water, coffee, bagels, and Gatorade. Expect to be there for 2+ hours, so dress warmly in layers you can donate.
Course Overview
The NYC Marathon is a race of contrasts, across bridges, through boroughs, into canyons of skyscrapers, and out again to cheering crowds. The route is not flat. It is not forgiving. But it is unforgettable.
- Staten Island (Miles 1–2): Begins on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge with a nearly mile-long climb and a breezy descent into Brooklyn.
- Brooklyn (Miles 3–13): The marathon’s longest stretch in a single borough, including Bay Ridge, Park Slope, Fort Greene, and Williamsburg.
- Queens (Miles 14–15): A short but spirited stretch before the Queensboro Bridge.
- Manhattan Part 1 (Miles 16–20): The First Avenue roar hits runners like a wall of sound.
- Bronx (Miles 20–21): Brief, gritty, often overlooked, but emotionally critical.
- Manhattan Part 2 (Miles 22–26.2): Harlem, Fifth Avenue, and Central Park carry runners to the iconic finish.
Weather and Conditions
- Average start temp: 44–48°F
- Typical high: 60°F
- Humidity: Moderate
- Wind: Can be a factor, especially on bridges
Aid Stations, Gels, and On-Course Support
- Water + Gatorade Endurance: Miles 3–25
- Maurten Gel Stations: Mile 12 and Mile 18
- Bananas: Around Mile 21
- Toilets and medical tents: Every mile from Mile 3 onward
How to Watch Live
- U.S.: ABC7, ESPN2, ESPN App
- International: Eurosport, RAI, Fox Sports, SuperSport, and more
Use the TCS NYC Marathon App for live runner tracking and splits.
Spectating and Road Closures
Over 1 million spectators line the course. Arrive 60–90 minutes before the elites for good spots.
Top viewing locations include:
- Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn
- First Avenue in Manhattan
- Central Park South and Columbus Circle
Expo and Bib Pick-Up
Held at the Javits Center:
- Thursday, Oct 30: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Friday, Oct 31: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov 1: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Bring photo ID. No race-day pick-up.
Post-Race: What to Expect
Runners receive:
- Finisher medal
- Recovery poncho
- Snacks, water, Gatorade, Maurten
Exit is via Central Park West at 77th Street. Bag retrieval is only available for those who selected the bag-check option at registration.
Men’s Elite Preview
The spotlight in New York this year shines squarely on Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner in history, as he takes on the final World Marathon Major missing from his resume. At 40, Kipchoge no longer chases world records, but symbolic goals.
After an uncharacteristically subdued ninth-place finish at the Sydney Marathon in August, many questioned whether his dominance had finally dimmed. But the Kenyan icon insists his motivation remains as sharp as ever, now focused on leaving a legacy at every corner of the globe.
He won’t have an easy path to the finish line. Standing in his way is Abdi Nageeye, the reigning champion, and Evans Chebet, the 2022 NYC and Boston winner. Add in Alexander Mutiso (2024 London champ), Albert Korir (2021 NYC winner), and Benson Kipruto (2024 Olympic bronze medalist), and this could be the most competitive men’s field of the year.
Kenenisa Bekele, the enigmatic legend and second-fastest marathoner ever, is a late entry and brings both mystique and gravitas to the field. His rivalry with Kipchoge, though rarely direct, adds a compelling narrative layer.
Among the Americans, Joe Klecker and Hilary Bor make intriguing debuts, while Biya Simbassa (2:06 PB) leads a quiet but capable U.S. charge.
Women’s Elite Preview
On the women’s side, Sifan Hassan returns just 62 days after her 2:20 victory in Sydney, capping off a marathon season that includes wins in London, Chicago, and Sydney. Now, she seeks to conquer New York.
Challengers include Sharon Lokedi (2022 NYC winner), Hellen Obiri (2023 NYC winner, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist), and Sheila Chepkirui (2024 NYC champ). Ethiopia’s Gotytom Gebreslase and Norway’s Karoline Grøvdal bring strength, while Britain’s Eilish McColgan hopes to bounce back from injury.
Americans Emily Sisson, Fiona O’Keefe, and Molly Seidel headline the domestic field. Sisson seeks redemption, O’Keefe builds on her U.S. Trials win, and Seidel makes a heartfelt return. Amanda Vestri, Sara Vaughn, and Susanna Sullivan round out a strong American presence.
